Esteem and style is like the chicken and the egg argument. Does great style precede great esteem or is it the other way around?

As a personal stylist, I’m always hearing others in the industry and even clients talking about “problem areas.” So what exactly IS a problem area? Also referred to as “trouble zones,” problem areas are those areas of one’s body deemed as less than desirable by not only themselves, but by society. This way of thinking is absolutely beyond me.

PSA: There is no such thing as a problem area.

Women’s bodies have amazing capabilities and should not only be looked at objects of affection or sexualization. I think that in order for outward body shaming to stop, it has to start FIRST within ourselves. Our verbiage and the way we talk about ourselves has to change. If we look at our bodies as having problems and areas that need fixing, we are setting ourselves up for failure. This type of language is the breeding ground for why we struggle to love ourselves as-is in the first place.

Now when styling clients, I don’t look to address problem areas and how to hide them. That makes them seem like a deep, dark secret and we should never view our bodies that way. I look to work my clients and find things that they LOVE about their bodies and find ways to celebrate them! If this sounds like something you agree with and you’re looking to elevate your style, email me at iamaquielmiller@gmail.com to book a FREE virtual style discovery consultation!

You ever look back at time you’ve ALLOWED yourself to lose and get super angry at yourself? Ever start (re-) jotting down ideas of things you want to do only to realize that you’ve already went through that phase? Ever let the dishes, laundry, or any task you don’t feel like doing pile for days or weeks? Oh yeah! Ever notice patterns in your life where you’ve procrastinated, knew it, and blamed your procrastination on everything but who the blame needs to be on?

Well, I can pretty much guess that if you’re reading this post that you feel exactly as I do. Now, this post is not one of pity and condemnation, but actually, the exact opposite. I’ve noticed patterns in my life where I will get so motivated for something and come up with all of these fabulous ideas. I’ll even go as far as bouncing the ideas off of close friends and family members and doing a little research, but then that’s about as far as it gets. I’m tired of that! I’m sure that I’m not alone when I say that I’ve allowed procrastination, laziness, and my emotions get in the way of what I truly want. And that is to be ENTIRELY who I’m created to be.

Inside of each and every one of us lies a destiny, a purpose. You may say “Hmmm…I don’t think I have a purpose.” Lies! The thing that keeps us from reaching our true selves is not the laundry, not the job, not how our parents raised us, but us. It is us. In order to move forward in being our truest, most authentic selves we must first:

Take responsibility for the time we’ve let get away, missed opportunities we weren’t prepared for, and bad habits that keep us from being focused.

Set realistic goals. Jot them down and then TAKE ACTION! This is where I’ve missed it. I get the ideas out of my head and onto paper and then they die there. Don’t let that happen another day! My mom gave me a great idea. Try setting 2-4 goals in 30, 40, 60 day increments or whatever is most realistic for you.

Prepare for the road ahead. I know this is a tough one because it is easier said than done but always remember. Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Look folks, God is gracious enough to bestow upon us innovative ideas, groundbreaking ideologies, and more and we take it for granted. And guys, we don’t have to be perfect the first time we try and we can always adapt and adjust. We just have to put one foot in front of the other day after day, moment after moment. And trust me I get it! Your path is totally and completely your own. Maybe no one showed you how to handle your finances or maybe they didn’t show you how to eat well and workout. But now the choice is totally and completely yours because excuses don’t care. Don’t allow yourself another day to say “I wish” or “I would like.” Change it to “I will.”

I would really love to hear your feedback on this post with ways you overcome your biggest personal challenges that try to keep you from being focused.

Hey! I’m enjoying this lovely, tasty salad for lunch today. Eating healthy is a way of life for me but I still struggle to find healthy lunches that I like. But this salad is definitely one of my go-to’s and it’s simple to make!

Baby arugula & spinach mix

Onion

Tomatoes

Olive oil

Tuna

Light seasoning for taste

There’s just something about eating better that makes you feel better about yourself and helps you get through the day! What’s your favorite healthy lunch?